This is my son, my chosen one; listen to him

Jesus took three of His disciples upon a mountain. (Luke 9:28-36) All of a sudden, His appearance changed. His clothes became dazzling white. Jesus revealed Himself before their eyes in the fullness of His glory.

Then Moses and Elijah, the representatives of the Old Testament law and prophets, appeared on the mountain having a conversation with Jesus.

Talk about the ultimate “if you could have dinner with three famous people” type scenario.

Moses, Elijah, and Jesus spoke about Jesus’ exodus, or departure, soon to occur in Jerusalem. They discussed what Jesus was about to accomplish for the salvation of the world by His crucifixion and resurrection because He was sent to make the payment for sin in His death.

During all this, a voice called out from a cloud saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to Him!” (Luke 9:35) Then the disciples saw and heard no one except for Jesus alone.

Jesus alone. That’s the key.

Jesus alone can save people from sin. Some people in the world may say that all one really needs to do to conquer sin is to try harder to live a good life. At opposite extreme some may say, “Who cares? Do what feels good!”

Yet, none of these save from sin. None of them clean a conscience. None of them take away the guilt. None of them bring release from condemnation. Jesus alone announces full forgiveness and pardon that comes from the outside, for it comes from Him and His work.

Jesus alone can save people from death. Death is the wages or consequence of sin. Some may choose to ignore death’s grim reality. Some may say that it’s natural. Some may convince themselves that it’s possible to die with dignity. However, these are mere empty words for a grieving family. Jesus alone truly comforts the mourning as He promises resurrection from the dead. A resurrection that’s rooted in His own resurrection on the third day.

Jesus alone can fully heal the world’s sufferings, sicknesses, aches, pains, diseases, broken bones, wars, and violence. All the sufferings faced in this fallen world are the side effects of sin. Through His own suffering, He brings an end to suffering. I’ve heard it said that Jesus often doesn’t remove suffering from His Christians, but as they take up their cross and follow Him, He causes them to endure through suffering.

When Jesus returns in glory and brings His people to His unending kingdom, all suffering shall be gone. No more pain, sorrow, or grief. There will only be joy in the presence of the Savior. Jesus brings an end to all sadness.

By His exodus to Jerusalem, where He was crucified and raised on the third day, Jesus brings salvation to a world mired by sin, death, and suffering.